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{Giveaway Closed}
Yesterday I was struggling--just not having a great day. My little ones were wore out from the weekend and it really showed in their behavior. It was a typical Monday, but it was also rather gray outside. In the afternoon it just got to the point where I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I blurted out, "God why do you feel so far away?!" I began to think about my words after I spoke them. Why did God feel so far away?

I've been learning a lot about grace over the past few months. In the past, I wasn't a very good recipient of grace. I had a hard time receiving what I didn't deserve. But God has been teaching me the freedom in Him that comes from His grace. Wonderful grace. He was right. But sometimes I lose sight of it. Sometimes I wonder why I can't find Him.

I am an avid reader and knowledge go-getter. I love reading on parenting in areas I struggle with. I love reading books that challenge my faith. There are so many things I want to do, I work to do them all at once. It's no wonder I constantly feel overwhelmed! Even though I consider these things to be good things, they have slowly pushed out the one Great Thing. The One I keep searching for and wonder why He's so far away. But haven't I pushed Him away? Haven't I filled up my days and my life with so many good things, that I left no room for the Best Thing?

His wonderful grace has been buried under things far less worthy. The things are not bad things---they are simply too many and they drown out His voice when they become too many. They clutter the life and the mind. They cover over that which they were supposed to bring out. Because the life of too much doing leads to distraction and busyness and an unsightly mess. Where is Jesus to lay His head when all the spaces have been filled?

Joy is found in simple things. God is found in a life emptied out to Him. Sometimes I need reminding of how simple joy is and how simply it's found. It is all found in the emptying. We must empty ourselves so He can fill us up. Ann Voskamp wrote of such words in One Thousand Gifts.

It is only when our lives are emptied that we're surprised by how truly full our lives were?

Let go of trying to do, let go of trying to control...let go of my own way, let go of my own fears. Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy's fire. Leave the hand open and be.

The Wonderful Grace serving tray reminds me that His love and peace, grace and joy are best seen with less clutter. It makes a lovely centerpiece on my kitchen table. :) And psssst...it's 50% off during the month of April.

The fine print: Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Please don't let this happen! :)

{Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means if you click and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage, at no cost to you. Wonderful Grace Tray provided by DaySpring in exchange for this review. Please read my full disclosure policy. I have, and will only recommend products that I personally use or those that I see as bringing further value to you, my reader.}

Affiliate Disclosure

Christin Slade is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Christin Slade is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.